Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara is seeking a fourth term, vowing to build on nearly a decade and a half of consistent growth.

The election puts Ouattara against two former government ministers as well as the ex-wife and former spokesperson for his predecessor, Laurent Gbagbo.

Ouattara is the only candidate with the backing of a strong political party, making him the clear favourite.

Two more prominent challengers, Gbagbo and former Credit Suisse CEO Tidjane Thiam, were barred from running.

Meanwhile, the Oyo statement has denied reports of taxing the populace for social activities such as burial, naming ceremonies, and weddings.

This was disclosed in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, stating that the allegation is false and released for the sole purpose of maligning the government.

According to him, any official Table of this nature will have the Revenue Code for payment of any tax or Levy and must statutorily have the signature of the Chairman of the Oyo State Internal Revenue Board.

In a separate interview with Dominion News, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde, Doctor Sulaimon Olanrewaju, confirmed that the allegation was false.

The strength of the opposition has always been crucial for sustaining democracy in Nigeria. However, there are growing concerns that opposition parties are losing relevance, grappling with internal crises, and experiencing significant defections to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Analysts note that recent defections represent some of the most significant shifts in Nigeria’s Fourth Republic, with numerous political figures abandoning their parties for the APC. This trend highlights deep fractures and weak structures within the opposition.

Observers believe that the lack of unity and a common strategy among opposition parties has allowed the ruling party to flourish. As the 2027 elections approach, many are questioning whether opposition politics is nearing its end in Nigeria.

The Federal Government has approved and released thirty-two point nine billion through the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF), marking the third round of disbursements in 2025.

The Coordinating Minister of Health and Social Welfare, Professor Muhammad Pate, announced this in a statement urging citizens to actively participate in ensuring the funds are used effectively.

The funds are intended to strengthen primary health care across the country.

The BHCPF supports Nigeria’s healthcare by providing basic health services, strengthening primary care, and allocating resources for emergency treatment.

Peru’s President Jose Jeri declared a thirty-day state of emergency in the capital Lima and the neighboring province of Callao, stating that the move was to battle rising crime.

The announcement followed the protests held last week that left one person dead and more than one hundred people injured.

Jeri revealed that the measure, which was approved by the Council of Ministers, authorizes the deployment of the armed forces alongside the police to maintain public order.